Man, what a day! I woke up in Almelo, and let me tell ya, it was a wild ride. First off, I’m a huntsman, right? So, I’m used to the woods, not the city. But Almelo? It’s got its own vibe.
So, I’m chillin’ at my usual spot, Café de Kater on the Hoofdstraat. Sippin’ my coffee, and boom! This dude walks in, all decked out in camo. I’m like, “Bro, you lost?” Turns out he’s a fellow huntsman. We start talkin’ about the best spots around here. He mentions the Almelo River. I’m like, “Yeah, I know that place!” It’s got some sick fishing spots.
But then, outta nowhere, this lady storms in. She’s fuming, right? Apparently, her dog just chased a squirrel down the Markt. I’m thinkin’, “Lady, it’s a dog. Chill.” But she’s all like, “My precious Fido could’ve been hurt!” I mean, come on! It’s a squirrel!
Anyway, I finish my coffee and head out. I stroll down the Langestraat, and it’s packed. People everywhere. I’m dodging bikes like I’m in some kinda video game. Almelo’s got this weird mix of old and new. You got these ancient buildings next to modern shops. It’s like, “What’s up with that?”
Then I hit the park, you know, the one by the Almelo Canal. It’s beautiful, man. I sit on a bench, just takin’ it all in. But then, I see this kid trying to fly a kite. The wind’s not cooperating, and the poor kid’s getting frustrated. I’m like, “C’mon, buddy! You got this!” And then, outta nowhere, the kite takes off! The kid’s face lights up like it’s Christmas. I’m grinning like an idiot.
But then, my phone buzzes. It’s my buddy, Jan. He’s like, “Dude, meet me at the old mill!” I’m thinkin’, “Great, more walking.” So I head over to the Molenweg. The mill’s cool, but it’s also kinda creepy. Like, what if it starts spinning and sucks me in?
When I get there, Jan’s already got a beer in hand. Classic Jan. We start talkin’ about hunting, and he’s all hyped about this new gear he got. I’m like, “Dude, you don’t need fancy stuff. Just get out there!” But he’s convinced it’ll make him a pro.
Then, outta nowhere, this old guy walks by. He’s got a parrot on his shoulder! I’m like, “Is this a movie?” The parrot starts squawking, and Jan’s losing it. We’re both cracking up. The old dude just smiles and keeps walking. Almelo, man. You never know what you’ll see.
After a few beers, we decide to grab some food. We hit up this place called De Kastelein. Best fries in town, no joke. I order a frikandel, and Jan gets a kroket. We’re munching away, and I’m just happy. Life’s simple, ya know?
But then, I get a text from my sister. She’s like, “Mom’s not feeling well.” My heart drops. I’m like, “C’mon, not today!” I finish my food, and Jan’s like, “What’s up?” I tell him, and he’s all supportive. “Go check on her, man.”
So I head back home, and the streets are quiet. I walk past the old church on the Kerkstraat. It’s beautiful at night, all lit up. But my mind’s racing. I’m worried about Mom.
When I get home, she’s on the couch, looking pale. I’m like, “What’s wrong?” Turns out it’s just a cold. Thank goodness! I make her some tea, and we sit together. I’m relieved, but also exhausted.
What a day, right? Almelo’s got its quirks, but it’s home. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Just gotta roll with the punches, I guess.